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Helping Clients Navigate Injury Claims

We’re ready to help with a variety of case-types, here’s just a small example of how we can help:

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Large Firm Results & Representation with Small Firm Personalized Attention & Care

Michael is determined to provide each of his clients with personal, one-on-one legal attention. With the Beliz Law Firm, you’re not a number. Each case is important to us, and we promise to treat our clients with respect. We firmly believe in providing you with a voice in your time of need. At the same time, our Long Beach Injury Lawyers focus on maximizing the value of your case - we’re ready to handle tough negotiations with the insurance company. Finally, we won’t hesitate to take your case to trial if that’s what’s needed.

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I would highly recommend The Beliz Law Firm and should I need legal counsel or a personal injury lawyer in the future, Michael Beliz has become my new go-to guy.

- M.M.
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Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer Michael Beliz

Small Firm Attention, Big Firm Results

Michael A. Beliz, Esq., established The Beliz Law Firm in the spring of 2011. Michael has been a practicing attorney since 2006 and worked for two of the most prominent plaintiff’s personal injury law firms in Southern California. He has extensive experience with personal injury claims and has worked on and handled hundreds of cases as an attorney in all types of accident and injury cases, including car accidents, pedestrian accidents and dog bites, and successfully recovered millions of dollars for his clients.

At the University of San Diego School of Law, Michael was a multiple-year recipient of the Delroy Richardson Endowed Law Scholarship and attained the high pass in Negotiation. In addition, he was a semi-finalist in the ATLA Intramural Mock Trial Competition. Prior to graduating from law school, Michael earned a master’s degree in economics from the University of California, Santa Barbara and his undergraduate degree from California State University, Long Beach where he was a member of the Omicron Delta Epsilon, the International Honor Society for Economics. Michael A. Beliz is admitted to the State Bar of California and United States District Court, Central District of California.

What to Expect from Our Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

At the Beliz Law Firm, we understand the wide range of emotions you experience after suffering injuries in an accident. It can be a scary time fueled by emotions of stress, anxiety, and anger. You may have many questions but no answers. Long Beach injury attorney Michael Beliz provides you with personal, one-on-one attention so you get the answers you need during the most difficult time in your life. At the Beliz Law Firm, each case is important to us, and we treat every client with the compassion and respect they deserve.

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Client Testimonials

  • "I was referred to the Beliz Law Firm by a family friend and was not disappointed. I was a passenger in a vehicle that was hit by a drunk driver and when I needed the services of an attorney, Michael Beliz came to my work to discuss my options. He is very friendly and explains everything in effectively and in detail. He recommended a great chiropractor whom I then sought treatment from and who helped me recover from my injuries. Michael created an excellent report used in my case which allowed me to receive the maximum return in my settlement. I have already referred a family friend and recommended another long time friend to seek his services. God forbid I ever get in another serious accident, but if I do I will for sure contact Michael again to seek his help. He’s a great guy who does great work!"

    Y.R.

  • Long beach personal injury lawyer Michael Beliz represented my personal injury case this year and I’m glad I found them. In summation Michael Beliz came across as intelligent, effective, friendly, and genuine. An excellent people person and well versed attorney is a hard combination to find. Michael walked us through everything; spoke to me like a person and not a case number. He just pretty much made the whole ordeal so much easier. Michael was extremely helpful, patient and responsive with my family and me the entire time. Michael regularly checked in on me during my recovery and kept me up to date on the status of the case and conversations with the other parties’ insurance company. My case wasn’t large but he treated me as if I was one of his only cases. I would highly recommend the Beliz firm to family and friends as the highest recommendation I could offer.”

    M.G.

  • "No one wants to involve an attorney in an auto claim, but sometimes you have no choice. Michael made an unpleasant situation so much easier. He really took the time to understand everything that was going on and always gave me prompt and personal attention. He was involved immediately and took over all the interactions with the insurance companies. He became the only one I had to deal with and there were never any games with him, only sound advice. My only mistake was not calling Michael sooner. I now recommend an attorney anytime an injury is involved in an auto accident, if only so they can deal with the insurance companies’ games, and you would be hard pressed to find someone better than Michael Beliz."

    T.V.

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Personal Injury Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Speak with a Long Beach Personal Injury Lawyer?

How Do I Know If I Have a Valid Personal Injury Claim?

How Long Do I Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit in California?

Will My Personal Injury Case Go to Trial?

Why Do I Need an Attorney?

How Much Does a Long Beach Personal Injury Attorney Cost?

How Much is My Case Worth?

Can I Still Receive Compensation If I Am Partially at Fault for My Injury?

Who Can Be Liable for My Injuries?

What Should I Expect During the Free Consultation?

Recent Blog Posts

Attorney Portrait

Average Settlement for Elbow Injury

Aug 25, 2025 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

If you suffered an elbow injury in a car accident or a slip and fall, you may be wondering: What is the average settlement for an elbow injury? While it is a reasonable question, the answer is not so simple. There is no standard dollar amount that applies to every case. Settlements for elbow injuries vary widely depending on several key factors. In most cases, the value of an elbow injury claim depends on the unique facts of your situation, including the severity of the injury, the impact on your daily life, and the available insurance coverage. Confidential settlements also make it difficult to calculate a true average. Still, understanding what goes into a settlement can help you know what to expect. Why There Is No True “Average” Elbow Injury Settlement Many people search for average settlement figures to understand what their claim might be worth. However, most settlements are confidential, and even when public information is available, the circumstances behind each case can differ significantly. Someone with a minor soft tissue injury may reach a quick settlement that covers a few thousand dollars in medical bills. A person with a fractured elbow that requires surgery and months of physical therapy may receive more compensation due to the extended recovery and lasting effects. Rather than focusing on an average number, looking at the factors that influence settlement value is more helpful. Factors Affecting Elbow Injury Compensation Amounts Every elbow injury case is different, and so are the potential outcomes. While it may be tempting to compare your case to others, the reality is that the value of a claim depends on many moving parts. Understanding these elements can give you a clearer picture of what to expect and help you make informed decisions. Several factors may increase or decrease the potential settlement for your elbow injury. Injury Severity The extent of damage to the elbow plays a major role in compensation. Common elbow injuries include the following: Settlements for minor bruises or sprains are often lower than for more serious injuries, such as fractures or dislocations, which can justify higher settlements. Type of Treatment and Recovery Time Injuries requiring surgery, extended medical care, or physical therapy tend to result in higher settlement offers. The same is true for injuries that lead to long-term pain, stiffness, or limited motion. Treatment-related expenses may include: The greater the impact of the injury on your life moving forward, the higher the compensation award is likely to be. Impact on Work and Daily Activities You may be eligible for additional compensation if your injury affects your ability to work or perform routine tasks. Loss of function can lead to substantial disruptions in daily life. For example, disruptions like the inability to lift, push, or carry as part of your job, or having to depend on others for household or childcare duties, can justify higher elbow injury compensation amounts. Insurance Policy Limits Even when your losses are clear, compensation may be limited by the other party’s insurance coverage. California drivers must carry minimum liability insurance, but those limits may be insufficient to cover serious injuries. In some cases, uninsured or underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage through your own policy may offer additional compensation. We can review all applicable insurance to identify available resources. Liability and Comparative Fault Your settlement may also depend on who was responsible for the accident. California uses pure comparative negligence, meaning your compensation may be reduced if you share fault for the accident. For example, if you slipped in a store while distracted and are found 20% at fault, your settlement could be reduced by that percentage. Proving liability clearly can help strengthen your case. Together, these factors create the foundation for determining the value of your elbow injury claim. Understanding how each element influences your compensation can help set realistic expectations. With the proper support, you can navigate the process with more clarity and confidence. Other Damages in an Elbow Injury Claim In addition to medical expenses and lost income, you may also recover damages that reflect the broader impact of your injury. These may include: These losses are evaluated individually. We can help document and present them clearly to support your claim. How a California Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help If your elbow injury resulted from someone else’s negligence, speaking with a personal injury lawyer may help you recover the compensation you deserve. At The Beliz Law Firm, we support injury victims throughout California by: We know how disruptive an elbow injury can be. We aim to help you move forward with support, clarity, and personalized attention. Contact The Beliz Law Firm Today There is no simple formula for calculating the average settlement for an elbow injury. Every case is unique, and compensation depends on your injury, your recovery, and who was responsible. Our experienced and knowledgeable team can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights. At The Beliz Law Firm, we bring decades of personal injury experience and a commitment to providing personalized legal representation to every client we serve. We work to pursue the full compensation our clients are entitled to under California law. Contact us for a free consultation, and let us help you chart a course to obtain the resolution you need and deserve.

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Average Settlement for a Broken Leg

Aug 25, 2025 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 4 minutes

You broke your leg in a California car accident. The hospital bills are adding up, work is on hold, and you’re wondering what the average settlement for a broken leg should include. However, an online “average” won’t tell you much because these cases depend on factors like the fracture type, the treatment plan, and how the injury changes your daily life. Those details can push a case value higher or lower. Here’s what to know about why broken leg settlement amounts vary in California and what can influence yours. What Can Affect the Value of a Broken Leg Settlement The reason an average settlement figure online is unreliable comes down to how many variables affect the outcome. No online calculator can account for your specific medical costs, past and future income loss, or the pain and emotional suffering caused by the injury. Even the type of fracture makes a difference. A hairline fracture that heals with a cast and physical therapy may lead to a smaller payout than a complex break involving both the tibia and fibula. An accident that causes multiple fractures requiring surgery, hardware, and months of rehabilitation can result in far higher broken leg compensation. For example, a California driver who broke their tibia in a low-speed crash and returned to work within six weeks likely received far less than a motorcycle rider who suffered a crushed tibia and fibula in a freeway collision, underwent multiple surgeries, and faced a year of recovery before returning to work. These differences show why no “average” figure applies to every case. Why the Location of the Break Also Matters for Compensation Different bones in the leg support different functions, so where the break occurs can affect both recovery time and settlement value. The tibia (shinbone) and fibula (the thinner bone next to it) make up the lower leg. A tibia fracture can prevent you from putting weight on the leg for months, leading to more time away from work and higher claims for lost income. In many instances when the tibia is fractured, surgery is required.   Fibula fractures may allow partial weight bearing but can still limit movement and require ongoing treatment. Crutches or walking boot may be used for treatment instead of surgery for a broken fibula.  When both bones break in the same accident, recovery usually takes much more time and may involve more than one surgery. The average settlement for broken tibia and fibula injuries frequently reflects this extended recovery and the added medical costs. While tibia and fibula fractures affect the lower leg, breaks can also occur higher up. The femur (thigh bone) is the largest bone in the leg and one of the strongest in the body. A femur fracture ranks among the most serious leg injuries and almost always requires surgery followed by intensive physical therapy. Any of these fractures can also be compound fractures, where the broken bone pierces the skin. This type of injury carries higher risks of infection and other complications, which can extend hospital stays and increase medical expenses.  How California Law Affects Broken Leg Settlements The severity of a broken leg affects medical treatment, recovery time, and income loss. Those factors help determine the value of a settlement, but California law can also have a significant impact. Rules on comparative negligence and strict filing deadlines give insurance companies opportunities to reduce or deny payouts in broken leg car accident claims. California’s comparative negligence rule reduces how much compensation for a broken leg you could receive if you are found partly at fault for the crash. The statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing your claim in court. Missing it means losing the right to seek payment entirely. Insurance companies often use these rules to limit what they pay in broken leg car accident claims.  In addition, insurance companies may argue the necessity of the treatment, question the cost of the medical charges, or suggest they are not the responsible party. They may also deny the claim and any settlement talks, pushing you closer to the filing deadline. If that deadline passes before you file, you cannot take the case to court, giving the insurer no incentive to negotiate for a fairer settlement. The Beliz Law Firm has a long history of helping injured clients recover fair compensation for serious fractures caused by vehicle collisions. Our case studies page provides examples of broken bone verdicts and settlements we have achieved. While no two claims are the same, these results show our approach to overcoming liability disputes, countering insurance tactics, and building strong cases for our clients. Understanding the Value of Your Broken Leg Settlement By now, the type of fracture, recovery process, and California law can all influence what a broken leg settlement might cover. These factors explain why broken leg compensation can vary greatly from one case to the next. The average settlement for a broken leg with surgery is often higher than for breaks that heal without it. Still, no average settlement for a broken leg reflects the details of your particular case, the time you’ve missed from work, or any lasting effects on your mobility or health.Considering these factors carefully helps you avoid undervaluing your claim and protects your interests. Accepting a quick offer before these issues are fully understood may mean settling for less than is what is deserved. Waiting until the full impact of your injury is clear gives you the best chance at a settlement that accounts for all losses, both immediate and those that may develop in the future. Get Help Securing a Fair Broken Leg Settlement The Beliz Law Firm represents Californians with broken leg injuries caused by vehicle collisions. Attorney Michael A. Beliz has nearly 20 years of experience challenging insurance company tactics and helping clients understand the full value of their claims before settling. Whether your case involves a tibia or fibula fracture, a femur break, or multiple surgeries, we work to secure a settlement that reflects the...

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Average Truck Accident Settlement in California

Jul 24, 2025 | By Michael Beliz | Read Time: 6 minutes

A crash with a semi-truck can leave you dealing with more than just wrecked metal. You may be facing serious injuries, extensive time away from work, mounting medical bills, and a future that feels uncertain. Understandably, one of the first questions people ask after a commercial truck accident is: How much is my case worth? But there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The value of a truck accident settlement is dependent upon the circumstances. At The Beliz Law Firm, we understand you’re not just looking for a number. You’re looking for clarity, support, and a path forward. With nearly two decades of experience and focusing solely on personal injury law, Michael A. Beliz helps injured Californians get real answers and recover fair compensation from negligent trucking companies and their insurers. In this guide, we break down what affects the average settlement for commercial vehicle accidents, how truck accident claims work, and what you can do to protect your rights and future. What Factors Affect the Average Settlement for a Semi-Truck Accident? No two truck accident cases are alike. There is no average or minimum truck settlement. The value of a settlement depends on a wide range of factors unique to your crash, injuries, and recovery. Below are the most critical elements that determine the outcome of your truck accident settlement in California. Severity of Injuries The seriousness of your injuries plays a significant role in the value of your claim. Settlements involving broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or internal injuries are typically higher than those involving minor sprains or bruises. More severe injuries mean more extensive medical treatment, longer recovery times, and a greater likelihood of permanent limitations. These elements directly impact both your economic and noneconomic damages. Liability and Fault In California, truck and tractor trailer accident settlements are governed by pure comparative negligence. This doctrine means that even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation, though your total amount will be reduced based on your share of the blame. For example, if your damages are valued at $200,000 but you are 25% at fault, your final award would be $150,000.   Medical Treatment and Recovery Time The medical treatment you receive is one of the most measurable components of your claim. Settlements typically reflect: Longer recovery periods and complex medical care often result in higher settlement values, especially when injuries interfere with mobility or daily function. Lost Income and Earning Capacity If your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently, you can recover damages for your lost wages. In cases involving long-term disability or career-ending injuries, you may also be entitled to compensation for loss of future earning capacity. Documentation from your employer, medical providers, and sometimes a vocational expert can help establish how the injury has affected your ability to earn a living. Pain and Suffering Not all losses are financial. Pain and suffering damages refer to the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident and its aftermath. These damages may include: Since these damages don’t have receipts or invoices, they are usually calculated using a multiplier based on the severity of your injuries and how long your recovery lasts. Effect on Daily Life A serious truck accident can turn your entire life upside down. Beyond medical bills and missed work, your injury may limit your ability to care for yourself, your children, or your home. You might struggle to drive, cook, or perform simple household tasks. Some people require in-home care or adaptive devices. Others may lose the ability to engage in hobbies, social events, or daily routines. This loss of independence and lifestyle is a critical component of your claim. Strength of Evidence Strong cases rely on strong evidence. The more documentation you have to prove fault, injury, and financial losses, the stronger your negotiating position. Key evidence includes: At The Beliz Law Firm, we gather and present the evidence needed to show how the crash affected your life and fight for fair 18-wheeler accident settlements. Future Costs and Complications Some injuries come with long-term consequences. You may need additional surgeries, years of physical therapy, or even lifetime care. Conditions like chronic pain, nerve damage, or psychological trauma can develop over time. Future costs must be factored into your settlement to ensure you’re not left paying out of pocket later. Your attorney may work with medical experts or financial planners to calculate these anticipated expenses. Frequently Asked Questions Here are common questions and answers regarding truck accident settlements. How Is a Truck Accident Different Than a Car Accident? Truck accidents are far more dangerous than typical car crashes.When a car and a truck collide with each other, the crash is more likely to injure the car occupants of the car than the truck driver. This is due to the sheer differences in weight and power between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle. That disparity creates more violent impacts, greater damage, and more severe medical outcomes. Commercial trucking companies have a legal responsibility to operate their vehicles safely. Yet semi-truck accidents remain a serious public safety issue across California. When a truck driver or company cuts corners, the consequences can be devastating.. What Damages Can I Recover in a Truck Accident? California divides damages into two categories: general and special. Special damages come with a tangible price tag. These include your medical bills and the wages you could not earn while recovering.  General damages are the less tangible expenses you face, including: If the truck driver, trucking company, or another party was negligent, you may have the right to pursue a truck accident settlement reflecting the full impact of your injuries. How Long Do I Have to Bring a Truck Accident Claim? California’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is two years from the accident date. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to file a lawsuit and recover damages. Some exceptions (such as cases involving government vehicles or minors) may...

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